What happens at a criminal arraignment in Queen Anne’s County

If you have been arrested in Queen Anne’s County and are scheduled for an arraignment, understanding the process can help you prepare. An arraignment is the court hearing where the judge formally reads the criminal charges against you and asks you to enter a plea. In Queen Anne’s County, misdemeanor arraignments are typically held at the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County, located at 100 Court House Square, Centreville, MD 21617. For felony charges, the case begins in the District Court but the arraignment later takes place in the Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court after an indictment or waiver of preliminary hearing. Having a criminal defense lawyer with you at this critical stage helps ensure your rights are protected. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals in Queen Anne’s County criminal proceedings. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Understanding the Arraignment Process in Queen Anne’s County

After an arrest in Queen Anne’s County, the typical sequence before an arraignment involves an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner, who sets bail and advises the defendant of their rights. If the defendant remains in custody, a bail review hearing occurs promptly, usually within 24 hours. The arraignment itself is the formal start of the court case. At this hearing, the judge or a judicial officer reads the charges aloud, confirms the defendant’s identity, and asks for a plea. The defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, or, in limited circumstances, nolo contendere. For misdemeanors, the arraignment generally takes place in the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County, which handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. For felony charges, the District Court conducts a preliminary hearing; if probable cause is found or the defendant waives the hearing, the case is transferred to the Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court, where a formal arraignment is scheduled. At this stage, an attorney can enter an appearance on behalf of the defendant, file motions, and begin building a defense strategy.

The pleading entered at arraignment shapes the course of the case. A not-guilty plea leads to a trial date; a guilty plea may result in immediate sentencing or referral for a presentence investigation. In Queen Anne’s County, as elsewhere in Maryland, options such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be discussed with the State’s Attorney and the court. Because the arraignment sets the legal tone for the entire matter, having counsel present before the hearing is strongly advisable. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand the procedures of the Queen Anne’s County courts and work to guide clients through these initial proceedings with clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do at my arraignment?

At your arraignment, you should listen carefully to the charges, enter a plea only after consulting with your attorney, and follow the court’s instructions. If you have not yet retained counsel, you can ask the judge for time to hire a lawyer. Do not argue the facts of the case or make any statements about the charges, because anything you say can be used against you. Dress respectfully and arrive early. If you already have an attorney, they will speak on your behalf and handle the procedural aspects. The primary goal at arraignment is to preserve your rights and enter a not-guilty plea until a defense strategy is developed.

What happens if I plead not guilty?

Pleading not guilty at your arraignment means your case will proceed to trial or further pretrial proceedings. The court then sets a trial date or schedules a motions hearing, depending on the type of case. In Queen Anne’s County District Court, misdemeanor trials are often scheduled within a timeframe set by the court. In felony cases, after a not-guilty plea in Circuit Court, the case moves into the discovery phase, where prosecution and defense exchange evidence. Your attorney will review the evidence, consider pretrial motions, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

What happens if I miss my arraignment?

Missing a scheduled arraignment in Queen Anne’s County can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. The judge may also revoke any bail and order you held without bond. If you realize you will miss the hearing, contact your attorney immediately. In some circumstances, your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf and request a continuance, but this depends on the court and the nature of the charges. It is critical to treat every court date seriously and communicate with your attorney to avoid unnecessary complications.

What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland?

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a Maryland disposition that allows a judge to place a defendant on probation instead of entering a guilty finding, potentially avoiding a conviction on the defendant’s record. In Queen Anne’s County, PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and certain felonies at the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County. After successfully completing probation, the defendant may be eligible to have the case expunged under Maryland law. An experienced criminal defense attorney can assess whether PBJ is a viable option in your case and advocate for this outcome during plea discussions.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Queen Anne’s County?

Maryland law allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet dockets, PBJ (after a three-year waiting period), and certain non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. In Queen Anne’s County, the expungement petition is filed in the court where the case was heard—either the District Court or the Circuit Court. The process involves submitting a petition and serving copies on the State’s Attorney and other relevant agencies. An attorney can help determine your eligibility, prepare the necessary paperwork, and represent you at any required hearing.

What is the difference between a District Court and Circuit Court arraignment in Queen Anne’s County?

District Court arraignments handle misdemeanors and initial appearances for felonies, while Circuit Court arraignments follow after a felony indictment or a waived preliminary hearing. In the District Court, the proceeding is often held shortly after arrest and is more summary in nature. In the Circuit Court, the arraignment typically occurs after the State’s Attorney has filed formal charges, and the judge will address more complex issues such as scheduling motions deadlines and discovery. The venue of your arraignment depends on the severity of the charges.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor arraignment in Queen Anne’s County?

While you have the right to represent yourself, having a lawyer at a misdemeanor arraignment is strongly recommended because certain rights may be waived if not asserted, and a seasoned attorney can begin working immediately on your defense. In Queen Anne’s County District Court, a lawyer can negotiate with the State’s Attorney, argue for pretrial release conditions, and explore dispositions like PBJ that avoid a conviction. Even for a seemingly minor misdemeanor, a conviction can have lasting consequences on employment and licensing. Legal representation helps ensure you make informed decisions from the very start of your case.

Can I get bail at my arraignment?

Bail is typically set before the arraignment, at an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner, but the arraignment judge in Queen Anne’s County can review and modify bail conditions if circumstances warrant. If you are already released on bail, the arraignment judge may review the conditions to ensure they remain appropriate. If you believe bail is excessive, your attorney can request a bail review hearing either before or at the arraignment. The court considers factors such as the nature of the charges, your ties to the community, and your criminal history when determining bail.

How do I find a criminal defense lawyer in Queen Anne’s County?

You can find a criminal defense lawyer by seeking referrals, searching online, and contacting firms that regularly appear in Queen Anne’s County courts. When you reach out, ask whether the attorney handles cases in the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County and the Circuit Court, and whether they have familiarity with local State’s Attorney offices and judicial practices. For a consultation about your Queen Anne’s County criminal matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I bring to a consultation with a criminal defense attorney?

Bring any documents related to your arrest, including the charging papers, bond papers, and any notices from the court, as well as a list of questions you have about your case. Also bring identification and information about your employment and background, which can be relevant to bail arguments and potential alternative dispositions. Having these materials ready allows the attorney to evaluate your situation more efficiently. If you cannot locate certain documents, the attorney can often obtain them from the court file.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in Maryland. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in Queen Anne’s County courts and throughout the state, applying their knowledge of local procedures and Maryland law to pursue favorable outcomes. Results may vary. For guidance on your situation, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

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